Despite the seemingly neutral title, the authors conclude that the “ethical practice of medicine” prohibits physician-assisted suicide; physicians should reject assisted suicide and “instead cherish life”; and “physicians did not become physicians to assist patients in killing themselves.” Accordingly, a physician’s moral duty is to elevate a tortured dying process over death with dignity.

Life’s end often brings unbearable physical pain, mental and emotional suffering, and the diminution of all quality of life.

Those who devalue patients’ free will, their chosen way of dealing with dying, and their right to cherish their remaining time in their own way without unwanted and demeaning measures, are out of touch with the kind of love, caring and compassion that our terminally ill friends and relatives want and deserve.

Having made their final choice, our loved ones should not be deprived of a dignified passing, which is as important as a dignified life.